Canola and Mustard

 

White Leaf Spot

 

Howard F. Schwartz, David H. Gent, Martha Mikkelson, and Jack Riesselman

 

 

Identification and Life Cycle

White leaf spot is caused by the fungus Pseudocercosporella capsellae.  Little is known about the life cycle and overwintering sources of the pathogen.  The fungus likely survives between canola and mustard crops in infested crop debris.

 

Plant Response and Damage

White leaf spot symptoms appear as circular, light tan to off-white spots.  White downy sporulation is apparent on lesions, and mycelium of the fungus occurs in lesions.

Management Approaches

 

Biological Control

Biological controls strategies have not been developed for white leaf spot. 

 

Cultural Control

Cultural control strategies have not been developed. 

 

Chemical Control

 

No fungicides are registered specifically for white leaf spot, but fungicides applied for white mold and Alternaria leaf spot may suppress white leaf spot as well. 

 

 

Categories: Canola and Mustard, Disease, White Leaf Spot

Date: 12/31/2004